Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families in Region IV-B (Speech) 07/18/2024

Puerto Princesa, Palawan
July 18, 2024

“Hindi alam ng nakararami na ang Palawan ay nangunguna din sa larangan ng produksyon ng pagkain. Bukod sa malawak na mga taniman ng palay, mais at niyog, mayroon din kayong kasoy, saging at kalamansi... Kaya sa araw na ito, hayaan ninyong kami naman po ang mamahagi ng biyaya sa inyo. Kung sanay ang lahat na magdala ng pasalubong mula sa Palawan, kami naman po ang magdadala ng pasalubong sa mga Palaweño,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as he led the distribution of vital assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and families in a program at the Edward S. Hagedorn Coliseum in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

In his speech, President Marcos Jr. cited that the farming sector in MIMAROPA (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) suffered losses of at least PhP3.28 billion due to extreme heat and drought, emphasizing that the sector deserved swift assistance to recover, especially the livelihood of people.

He likewise conveyed that the Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in the Municipality of Aborlan is almost complete while the additional road section of Dr. Damian Reyes Road in Marinduque is nearly 45.45% complete, which would bolster and strengthen economic development in the Region.

“Nasa huling bahagi (89.30%) na rin po ng paggawa natin sa Balabac Military Runway, lalo na’t malaki ang papel na gagampanan ng Palawan sa pambansang seguridad,” he added.

Beyond these initiatives, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the Administration's unwavering commitment to sustaining the Region's economic growth by investing in key sectors such as tourism and transportation. He reiterated that the government is driving progress through the implementation of the Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project and the Pag-asa Island Airport Development Project, aiming to enhance connectivity, boost economic activity and further solidify the Province's position as a prime tourist destination.

“Alam din po namin ang inyong mga hinaing, una na diyan ay ang kakulangan sa suplay ng kuryente. Upang matugunan ito, ang Maharlika Investment Corporation, ang National Electrification Administration at ang Palawan Electric Cooperative ay magsasagawa ng pag-aaral upang mapabuti ang supply ng kuryente sa inyong lalawigan. Tayo po ay umaasa sa mga positibong bunga ng kasunduang ito,” he remarked.

Furthermore, the Chief Executive assured the Palaweños that national government is already preparing for the upcoming La Niña, having stockpiled over PhP140 million worth of food and non-food items, and allotting PhP5 million in standby funds for Region IV-B.

“Mga minamahal kong kababayan, iba-ibang pagsubok at patong-patong na suliranin man ang ating kinakaharap, malalampasan natin ang lahat ng ito kung patuloy tayong magtutulungan... Sa ating pagkakaisa, sigurado akong malalampasan natin ang anumang hamon at makakamit natin ang ating mga mithiin,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his speech, encouraging all local communities to come together and unite towards the Administration's vision of a 'Bagong Pilipinas.'

Connect with RTVM

YouTube: @RTVMalacanang
Tiktok: @RTVMalacanang